A MAN described as a legend at Thurrock Rugby Club has died, prompting tributes and messages of condolances to his family.

Ian Corderoy was an outstanding player from one of Thurrock's golden eras.

He was a front row forward who learned his rugby at William Edwards School under the tutelage of Messrs Zavaroni and Byron Davies as well as Club President, Brian Howells. He was a team-mate of Steve Putz and Graham Holbrook, both of whom went on to captain the first team. Steve,of course, went on to be an outstanding coach of teams which included Ian.

Other school teams had included other highly talented players who became friends and team-mates including Dan Foley, Austin Fitzmaurice, Andy Dickson and two other future captains, Trevor Burge and Ray Page.

Ian endeared himself to his colleagues through his honesty, decency and dry,laconic sense of humour.

I was privileged to meet the young Corderoy as a new teacher at William Edwards in 1970 and soon got to know Ian as a powerful and highly skilled player. He was even good in the midfield of the Football team!He threw a spin pass as accurate and swift as any scrum-half and became a constant source of quick ball from the breakdown.

His longevity was incredible too, starting in the first team in the early seventies and even being on the bench when Thurrock defeated London Irish in the biggest upset in the history of English Rugby in 1991.

Ian often appeared in the front row with Kevin Wakeford and Glyn Barnett, before occasionally being selected as hooker for big games.

Ian's mother had run a curtain and haberdashery shop at The Parade and, upon leaving school, Ian followed into the family business before embarking on his career.

Always a family man, Ian and his beloved wife Lynn were regular visitors to the club after his long stint in the "Black and Whites".

A real character and personality, Ian devoted his life to Lynn, daughter Jamie , son-in-law, Luke and grand-son,Harry.

Our thoughts and condolences lie with them on this very sad occasion.

At Thurrock Rugby Club,we have been privileged to have played alongside and known Ian. As Jon Langley said: "We have lost another great man from a 'Golden generation'."